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5. Special techniques

Headers

Headers can be associated with mastery of the ball (juggling and control) and passing/shooting the ball. Heading is an essential skill for defending and marking.

Volleys

This involves directly striking an aerial ball, without any prior control:

before it touches the ground (volley);

just as it touches the ground (half-volley).

Defensive techniques

Dispossessing an individual opponent of the ball

Winning the ball when it is in the possession of the opposing team (interception)

Challenging an opponent for the ball within the limits allowed by the Laws of the Game (defensive duel)

It is essential for a player to learn not to throw him/herself into a tackle and to defend standing up.

Feints

A feint can be performed with or without the ball, depending on the situation of play. When a player is facing an opponent during a dribble, a feint is a useful skill to bypass the opponent with the ball. When a player is not in possession of the ball, a feint is useful to gain an advantage in a position, and to lose the mark of an opponent as well.

Goalkeeping techniques

The goalkeeper

The goalkeeper’s role is to prevent the ball from entering his/ her goal. The goalkeeper is the only player in the team who is allowed to handle the ball, but only in the area around the goal known as the penalty area. The goalkeeper’s special training is a long-term process which starts in childhood and only ends when the goalkeeper finally retires. This training goes through certain stages:

first steps in goalkeeping

learning the goalkeeper’s techniques

developing the goalkeeper’s essential physical qualities

acquiring mental strength

Basic goalkeeping techniques 6-10 years old

Basic goalkeeping techniques – 11-12 years old

Technical preparation

first contact with the ball, first experience “in goal”

gradually learning the goalkeeper’s techniques

introduction to playing the ball with the feet

Physical preparation

physical qualities (stamina, speed, coordination, suppleness, etc.) are developed through different games

Psychological preparation

respecting the coach-educator, team-mates, opponents and referee

learning to be “alone”

making the goal the “castle” to be defended

developing the courage (not to be afraid of the ball)

Technical preparation

continuing improvement of the acquired techniques

moving on to the “big pitch” and the “big goal”

working on high balls

improving playing the ball with feet

understanding the goalkeeper’s role in the team

increasing the difficulty of the situations encountered

Physical preparation

the development of specific physical qualities (stamina, speed, suppleness, relaxation) by means of special exercises

coordination exercises, both with and without the ball

Psychological preparation

making the right decisions, taking command

retaining self-control and staying calm

maintaining concentration

making the goal his/her territory

Technical preparation for goalkeepers

Positioning

initial positioning

movement

regaining position

The goalkeeper’s interventions

catching the ball (on the ground, medium height, high, from a rebound, etc.)